Methods for collecting and managing public music performance royalties and royalty payouts

ABSTRACT

Methods and apparatus, including software, for collecting and managing public music performance royalties and royalty payouts are described. On the listeners side, song/audio fingerprint data is collected and transmitted to the rights owner side, where the rights owner side verifies the song/audio fingerprint data, calculates royalty payments, and in some cases, automates the royalty payments. Public music performance royalty payments are based on the song/audio fingerprint data collected by listeners/clients, as well as business logic servers.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a U.S. Continuation-In-Part Patent Application ofU.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 16/421,141 filed on May23, 2019, which is a U.S. Continuation-In-Part Patent Application ofU.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 16/155,919, filed Oct.10, 2018, which is a Continuation Application of U.S. Non-Provisionalpatent application Ser. No. 14/862,304, filed Sep. 23, 2015, andpatented as U.S. Pat. No. 10,127,005 on Nov. 13, 2018, which claimspriority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/054,286, filedon Sep. 23, 2014, the contents of which are hereby fully incorporated byreference.

FIELD OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The invention and its embodiments relate to methods for monetizingpublic music performances. Specifically, the invention and itsembodiments relate to methods that provide an easy and streamlined wayfor music publishing and public performance companies to source andmanage royalties.

BACKGROUND OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Historically, music publishers generate revenue by printing copies ofsheet music and distributing and selling the printed copies to localmusic stores. Today, music publishers generate revenue through themarketing and administration of rights to songwriters/lyricists,composers, and/or publishers (collectively referred to as “rightsowners”). The financial exploitation of music from recordings (e.g.,mechanical royalties), from broadcast or live performances (e.g.,performance royalties) and other license fees associated with musicalsamples, film and miscellaneous creative work, represents the heart ofmusic publishing. As a result of having millions of rights owners spreadacross the globe, it is impractical for commercial licensees to sendseparate payments to thousands of rights owners and/or copyrightholders. Due to this impracticality, Performing Rights Organizations(PROs) were formed to help streamline the process.

Typically, the rights owners contract with PROs that serve as anintermediary between commercial users and rights owners. For instance,the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) is aPRO that was launched in part to force venues to pay copyright holders.Other PROs, such as the Society of European Stage Authors and Composers(SESAC) and Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI), were launched for similarreasons. Typically, PROs collect between $2-3 billion dollars fromcommercial users. About 15% of total revenue generated is fromperformances in clubs, hotels, arenas, concert halls, and amusementparks and approximately 25% of the total revenue comes frominternational organizations. When foreign organizations are involved,money is passed through reciprocal agreements with collection agenciesoverseas. Sub-publishers on foreign territories maximize royalties fromoversea sources, which helps the original rights owners in the UnitedStates.

When musical entertainment happens on a regular basis (e.g., in liveconcert halls), venue staff file and upload cue sheets that detailperformances. The reports are spot-checked by PROs periodically toconfirm their accuracy. However, since there are hundreds of billions ofperformances tracked annually, spot-checking, albeit infrequent, can betedious. At venues that offer musical entertainment, only occasionallyperformance fees are collected from the promoter or producer renting thespace or the owner. Manually generated reports/updates and spot-checkingof the reports is not ideal and can lead to human error. Thus, asolution is needed that eliminates the need for reliance on manuallygenerated reports/updates and spot-checking of these reports.

Review of Related Technology:

Line6, Inc. has created a ‘smart mixing system’ for non-wearableubiquitous computing devices that enables wireless and touchscreencontrol of live sound system components. This is accomplished via awired connection between standard audio hardware and a proprietaryphysical interface. While this system integrates and controls live soundsystem components via touchscreen devices, it unfortunately relies onaudio engineers to operate it, and does not incorporate alistener-centric way to autonomously solve audio issues experienced byan audience.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,668,884 pertains to an audio enhancement system andmethod of use with a sound system for producing primary sound from atleast one main loudspeaker located at a main position. The audioenhancement system comprises at least one wireless transmitter, timedelay circuitry, and plural augmented sound producing subsystems. Eachsound subsystem is a portable unit arranged to be carried by a personlocated remote from the main loudspeaker and includes a wirelessreceiver and an associated transducer device, e.g., a pair of stereoheadphones. The transmitter broadcasts an electrical signal which isrepresentative of the electrical input signal provided to the mainloudspeaker. The broadcast signal is received by the receiver and isdemodulated and amplified to drive the transducer so that it producesaugmented sound substantially in synchronism with the sound arrivingfrom the main loudspeaker. To achieve that end the time delay circuitrydelays the electrical signal which is provided to the transducer for apredetermined period of time corresponding generally to the time periodit takes for the primary sound to propagate through the air from themain loudspeaker to the remote location at which the person is located.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,991,171 pertains to a method and apparatus forprocessing an audio signal in multiple audio frequency bands whileminimizing undesirable changes in tonal qualities of the audio signal bydetermining an initial gain adjustment factor for each audio frequencyband resulting from the application of an audio processing technique. Afinal gain adjustment factor for each band is selected from acorresponding set of weighted or unweighted initial gain adjustmentfactors. The set of initial gain adjustment factors from which the finalgain adjustment factor for a specified audio frequency band is obtainedis derived from other audio frequency bands that have the frequency ofthe specified band as a harmonic frequency. Changes in audio signallevel within one audio frequency band thereby affect the signal level ofharmonic frequencies to decrease relative changes in volume between afundamental frequency and its harmonics.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,315,398 pertains to a method of adjusting a loudness ofan audio signal may include receiving an electronic audio signal andusing one or more processors to process at least one channel of theaudio signal to determine a loudness of a portion of the audio signal.This processing may include processing the channel with a plurality ofapproximation filters that can approximate a plurality of auditoryfilters that further approximate a human hearing system. In addition,the method may include computing at least one gain based at least inpart on the determined loudness to cause a loudness of the audio signalto remain substantially constant for a period of time. Moreover, themethod may include applying the gain to the electronic audio signal.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,452,432 pertains to a user-friendly system for real timeperformance and user modification of one or more previously recordedmusical compositions facilitates user involvement in the creativeprocess of a new composition that reflects the user's personal style andmusical tastes. Such a system may be implemented in a small portableelectronic device such as a handheld smartphone that includes a storedlibrary of musical material including original and alternative versionsof each of several different components of a common original musicalcomposition, and a graphic user interface that allows the user to selectat different times while that original composition is being performed,which versions of which components are to be incorporated to therebycreate in real time a new performance that includes elements of theoriginal performance, preferably enhanced at various times with userselected digital sound effects including stuttering and filtering. Thesystem may also optionally comprise a visualizer module that renders avisual animation that is responsive to at least the rhythm and amplitudeof the system's audio output, not only for entertainment value but alsoto provide visual feedback for the user.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,594,319 pertains to methods and apparatuses foradjusting audio content when more multiple audio objects are directedtoward a single audio output device. The amplitude, white noise content,and frequencies can be adjusted to enhance overall sound quality or makecontent of certain audio objects more intelligible. Audio objects areclassified by a class category, by which they can be assigned classspecific processing. Audio objects classes can also have a rank. Therank of an audio object's class is used to give priority to or applyspecific processing to audio objects in the presence of other audioobjects of different classes.

United States Patent Publication No. 2007/0217623 pertains to areal-time processing apparatus capable of controlling power consumptionwithout performing complex arithmetic processing and requiring a specialmemory resource. The real-time processing apparatus includes an audioencoder that performs a signal processing in real time on an audiosignal, a second audio encoder that performs the signal processing witha smaller throughput in real time on the audio, an audio execution stepnumber notification unit that measures step number showing a level ofthe throughput in the signal processing by operating the 1st audioencoder or second audio encoder, and an audio visual system control unitthat executes control so that the first audio encoder operates when themeasured step number is less than a threshold value provided beforehandand the second audio encoder operates when the step number is equal toor greater than the threshold value.

United States Patent Publication No. 2011/0134278 pertains to animage/audio data sensing module incorporated in a case of an electronicapparatus. The image/audio data sensing module comprises: at least oneimage sensor, for sensing an image datum; a plurality of audio sensors,for sensing at least one audio datum; a processor, for processing theimage datum and the audio datum according to a control instruction setto generate a processed image data stream and at least one processedaudio data stream, and combining the processed image data stream and theprocessed audio data stream to generate an output data stream followinga transceiver interface standard; a transceiver interface, for receivingthe control instruction set and transmitting the output data stream viaa multiplexing process; and a circuit board, wherein the image sensor,the audio sensors and the transceiver interface are coupled to thecircuit board, and the processor is provided on the circuit board.

United States Patent Publication No. 2013/0044131 pertains to a methodfor revealing changes in settings of an analog control console, themethod comprising: receiving a captured image of the analog controlconsole; creating a composite image by superimposing the captured imageand a live image of the analog control console; and displaying thecomposite image.

United States Patent Publication No. 2013/0294618 pertains to a methodand devices of sound volume management and control in the attendedareas. According to the proposed method and system variants the soundreproducing system comprises: sounding mode appointment device, centralstation for audio signal transmittance; one or more peripheral stationsfor audio signal reception and playback; appliance for listener'slocation recognition; computing device for performing calculationconcerning sounding parameters at the points of each listener's locationand for performing calculation of controlling parameters for systemtuning. The system can be operated wirelessly and can compose a localnetwork.

Various methods for monetizing public music performances are known inthe art. However, their structure and means of operation aresubstantially different from the present invention. What is needed is amethod for monetizing public music performances that provides an easy,streamlined way for music publishing and public performance companies tosource and manage royalties.

SUMMARY OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The present invention and its embodiments relate to methods formonetizing public music performances. Specifically, the invention andits embodiments relate to methods that provide an easy and streamlinedway for music publishing and public performance companies to source andmanage royalties.

A first embodiment of the system is described. The system includes anaudio control source and at least one cluster of at least one computingdevice. The at least one computing device includes a sound sensingmechanism configured to sense a noise. The sound sensing mechanismincludes an omnidirectional transducer, an ultrasonic transducer, aninfrasonic transducer, or a microwave transducer. Moreover, the sensednoise includes infrasonic or ultrasonic soundwaves. The at least onecomputing device also includes a wireless transceiver configured towirelessly transmit and receive data from the audio control source, andat least one output device. The at least one output device includes apower source for operating the output device, a speaker for outputtingsound, and a communication mechanism for receiving electronicinformation from the audio control source.

The audio control source is in electronic communication the at least onecluster and the at least one output device. The audio control sourceincludes a memory and a processor. The memory containscomputer-executable instructions for connecting to the at least onecluster and varying an output of the at least one output device. Theprocessor executes the computer-executable instructions of the memory.

The computer-executable instructions include: identifying one or moresounds within the noise, isolating the one or more sounds, anddetermining if one or more of the one or more sounds includes afrequency and an intensity outside of a predetermined threshold. Thepredetermined threshold equates to a frequency and an intensitydetermined to pose a risk of harm to a user's hearing capabilities. Ifthe one or more of the one or more sounds includes the frequency and theintensity outside of the predetermined threshold, thecomputer-executable instructions further include notifying a user, via anotification, that one or more of the one or more sounds includes thefrequency and the intensity outside of the predetermined threshold.

If the one or more of the one or more sounds includes the frequency andthe intensity outside of the predetermined threshold, thecomputer-executable instructions further include: determining if thesystem is in an auto-adjust mode. In response to a determination thatthe system is in the auto-adjust mode, the computer-executableinstructions further include altering the one or more of the one or moresounds so that the frequency and the intensity do not fall outside ofthe predetermined threshold. In response to a determination that thesystem is not in the auto-adjust mode, the computer-executableinstructions further include outputting the one or more sounds on the atleast one output device. The one or more sounds comprise soundfingerprints and sound characteristics. The at least one output devicemay include a display and/or a speaker, among other examples.

In some examples, the computer-executable instructions further includedetermining if the one or more of the one or more sounds includes anamplitude outside of a predetermined threshold. In this scenario, if theone or more of the one or more sounds includes the frequency, theintensity, and the amplitude outside of the predetermined threshold, thecomputer-executable instructions further include notifying the user, viaanother notification, that one or more of the one or more soundsincludes the frequency, the intensity, and the amplitude outside of thepredetermined threshold.

If the one or more of the one or more sounds includes the frequency, theintensity, and the amplitude outside of the predetermined threshold, thecomputer-executable instructions further include determining if thesystem is in the auto-adjust mode. In response to a determination thatthe system is in the auto-adjust mode, the computer-executableinstructions further include altering the one or more of the one or moresounds so that the frequency, the intensity, and the amplitude do notfall outside of the predetermined threshold. In response to adetermination that the system is not in the auto-adjust mode, thecomputer-executable instructions further include outputting the one ormore sounds on the at least one output device. In some examples, thecomputer-executable instructions further include steps, such as: panningthe sensed noise and/or equalizing the sensed noise, among others.

The system may also include an interfacing mechanism. The interfacingmechanism may include a network adapter configured to transmit andreceive electronic information through both wired and wirelesscommunication and at least one input mechanism. The at least one inputmechanism is configured to manipulate the interfacing mechanism and varythe output of the at least one output device.

A second embodiment of the instant invention describes a method ofaltering sensed noise prior to outputting the sensed noise. The methodincludes providing at least one audio control source and providing atleast one cluster of at least one computing device. The at least onecomputing device includes a sound sensing mechanism configured to sensea noise, a wireless transceiver configured to wirelessly transmit andreceive data from the audio control source, and at least one outputdevice. The sound sensing mechanism is an omnidirectional transducer, anultrasonic transducer, an infrasonic transducer, or a microwavetransducer, among others not explicitly listed herein. The sensed noiseincludes infrasonic or ultrasonic soundwaves, among others notexplicitly listed herein.

The at least one output device includes a power source for operating theoutput device, a speaker for outputting sound, and a communicationmechanism for receiving electronic information from the audio controlsource. The audio control source is in electronic communication the atleast one cluster and the at least one output device. The audio controlsource includes a memory and a processor. The memory containscomputer-executable instructions for connecting to the at least onecluster and varying an output of the at least one output device. Theprocessor executes the computer-executable instructions.

The method further includes: isolating the one or more sounds anddetermining if one or more of the one or more sounds includes afrequency and an intensity outside of a predetermined threshold. Thepredetermined threshold equates to a frequency and an intensitydetermined to pose a risk of harm to a user's hearing capabilities. Ifthe one or more of the one or more sounds includes the frequency and theintensity outside of the predetermined threshold, the method furtherincludes notifying a user, via a notification, that one or more of theone or more sounds includes the frequency and the intensity outside ofthe predetermined threshold.

If the one or more of the one or more sounds includes the frequency andthe intensity outside of the predetermined threshold, the method furtherincludes determining if the system is in an auto-adjust mode. Inresponse to a determination that the system is in the auto-adjust mode,the method further includes altering the one or more of the one or moresounds so that the frequency and the intensity do not fall outside ofthe predetermined threshold. In some examples, the altering of the oneor more of the one or more sounds so that the frequency and theintensity does not fall outside of the predetermined threshold isperformed automatically. In response to a determination that the systemis not in the auto-adjust mode, the method further includes outputtingthe one or more sounds on the at least one output device. The one ormore sounds comprise sound fingerprints and/or sound characteristics,among other features and characteristics. The at least one output deviceis a display or a speaker, among other devices.

In some examples, method may further include determining if the one ormore of the one or more sounds includes an amplitude outside of apredetermined threshold. If the one or more of the one or more soundsincludes the frequency, the intensity, and the amplitude outside of thepredetermined threshold, the method may further include notifying theuser, via another notification, that one or more of the one or moresounds includes the frequency, the intensity, and the amplitude outsideof the predetermined threshold.

If the one or more of the one or more sounds includes the frequency, theintensity, and the amplitude outside of the predetermined threshold, themethod may further include: determining if the system is in theauto-adjust mode. In response to a determination that the system is inthe auto-adjust mode, the method may further include altering the one ormore of the one or more sounds so that the frequency, the intensity, andthe amplitude do not fall outside of the predetermined threshold. Inresponse to a determination that the system is not in the auto-adjustmode, the method may further include outputting the one or more soundson the at least one output device.

The at least one computing device further includes: an interfacingmechanism that includes a network adapter configured to transmit andreceive electronic information through both wired and wirelesscommunication and at least one input mechanism configured to manipulatethe interfacing mechanism and vary the output of the at least one outputdevice.

A third embodiment of the instant invention describes a system forcollecting and managing public music performance royalties and royaltypayouts. The system includes a device associated with a user, a databasecomprising information associated with a musical work, a business logicserver communicatively coupled to a rules, rights and policy server, anda rights owner server communicatively coupled to the business logicserver and the rules, rights and policy server. The device is a smartdevice, a wearable device, or an IoT device. The information of thedatabase includes audio fingerprint recognition information, licensinggrant information, performance information, song catalog information,song ownership information, and/or a location or a jurisdictionassociated with a royalty payment for the data units.

The business logic server is configured to: receive data unitsassociated with the musical work from the device associated with theuser. Each of the data units are selected from the group consisting of:song information, information regarding whether a song was sung,information regarding whether a song was played live, informationregarding whether a song was recorded, information regarding a time ofthe data unit, and/or information regarding a location of the data unit.The business logic server is further configured to: receive anauthorization from the user to share the data units with a third partyadministrator. In examples, the authorization is an opt-in agreement.The business logic server is further configured to: map the data unitsto the database to identify a rights owner of the data units and verifythe rights owner. In an example, the verification of the rights ownercomprises mobile-to-mobile checks. In another example, the verificationof the rights owner comprises verification by the third partyadministrator.

The business logic server is further configured to map the data units tothe rules, rights, and policy server comprising copyright laws of aterritory, verify compliance with the copyright laws of the territory,and transmit a verification message of the rights owner server tofacilitate the royalty payment to the rights owner and a copyrightholder. In examples, the copyright holder is a music producer, asongwriter, a recording artist and/or another rights owner or holder(e.g. a publisher). In some examples, the songwriter is the rightsowner, but may assign his/her rights to a publishing entity.

In another scenario, the information of the database comprises theperformance information. In this example, the business logic server isfurther configured to map the data units to the performance informationto identify a non-musical entity associated with the data units. Thenon-musical entity is a venue commercializing musical works. Thebusiness logic server is further configured to verify the non-musicalentity and transmit another verification message to the rights ownerserver to facilitate the royalty payment to the non-musical entity. Thepayment to the rights owner, the copyright holder, and/or thenon-musical entity are based on the data units, compliance with thecopyright laws of the territory, and the performance rights associatedwith the musical work. The rights owner server is further configured togenerate royalty statements based on the royalty payment.

In general, the present invention succeeds in conferring the followingbenefits and objectives.

It is an object of the present invention to provide methods for managingpublic music performance royalties.

It is an object of the present invention to provide methods for managingpublic music royalty payouts.

It is an object of the present invention to provide methods formonetizing public music performances.

It is an object of the present invention to provide method formonetizing public music performances that are easy and streamlined toallow music publishing and public performance companies to source andmanage royalties.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a schematic view of a one cluster with some interfaceddevices, according to at least some embodiments described herein.

FIG. 2 depicts a schematic view of how interfaced devices create a soundfingerprint, according to at least some embodiments described herein.

FIG. 3 depicts an illustration of a system engaging in inter-cluster,cluster-to-audio control source, and cluster-to-cluster data sharing,according to at least some embodiments described herein.

FIG. 4 depicts a block diagram of a flowchart of a method, according toat least some embodiments described herein.

FIG. 5 depicts a block diagram of a flowchart of a method, according toat least some embodiments described herein.

FIG. 6 depicts a block diagram of a flowchart of a method, according toat least some embodiments described herein.

FIG. 7A depicts an illustrated embodiment of the present inventionlocated in an automobile, according to at least some embodimentsdescribed herein.

FIG. 7B depicts an illustrated embodiment of the present inventionlocated in an indoor theatre, according to at least some embodimentsdescribed herein.

FIG. 7C depicts an illustrated embodiment of the present inventionlocated in an outdoor stadium, according to at least some embodimentsdescribed herein.

FIG. 8 depicts a block diagram of a flowchart of a method, according toat least some embodiments described herein.

FIG. 9 depicts a tiered diagram of a system, according to at least oneembodiment described herein.

FIG. 10 depicts a block diagram of a flow chart of a method forcollecting and managing public music performance royalties and royaltypayouts, according to at least one embodiment described herein.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be describedwith reference to the drawings. Identical elements in the variousfigures are identified with the same reference numerals.

Reference will now be made in detail to each embodiment of the presentinvention. Such embodiments are provided by way of explanation of thepresent invention, which is not intended to be limited thereto. In fact,those of ordinary skill in the art may appreciate upon reading thepresent specification and viewing the present drawings that variousmodifications and variations can be made thereto.

As a threshold matter, it should be noted that whenever the phrases“microphone” or “microphone-equipped” are used, it is intended to meanany device that is capable of detecting sound, not merely microphones.For example, a high-performance low frequency antenna connected to asoftware-defined radio may be used to input sound observations into thesystem, or a piezo-electric diagraph may be used to measure thevibrations the correspond to a given sound. These examples are providedto give greater clarity as to what the term “microphone” should beinterpreted as, and not construed as a limiting example.

The system of the present invention operates by integrating clusters ofvarious computing devices and wearable computers with sound managementtechniques and methods so that various sound “fingerprints” can bedeveloped and used to visualize how sound is being perceived inmicro-areas within a larger venue. In various embodiments, the system ofthe present invention can be integrated into an individual's home,vehicle audio system, concert venues, and other locations where sound isplayed. In addition, the system's components allow for the presentinvention to be scaled to accommodate sound management and monitoringcontrol within the largest of venues such as stadiums and other sportsarenas.

Due to the devices that are integrated into the system having theability to sense the frequency and magnitude of audio signals, a soundor audio fingerprint (summary) can be generated from deterministicmethods. These fingerprints are then communicated to an audio controlsource and can subsequently be processed and used to communicate withexternal applications and things such as third-party sound databases.However, the purpose of this system is not to be confused. In additionto the sound fingerprinting ability of the present invention, it is alsocapable of utilizing a series of methods to sense and control audiooutput in various venues.

In an alternative embodiment, the present invention is located in atrain or airport station that has an intercom system that functionspoorly when noisy crowds are present. If an audio control source withinthese facilities is able to autonomously collect audio data via a seriesof integrated devices, then with the present invention, the same audiocontrol source can adjust system outputs accordingly in order to makeimportant intercom announcements intelligible. In yet anotherembodiment, a user can enter in EQ parameters in their integratedcomputing device to ensure that both the audio perceived by them, andthe audio perceived by their device is in accordance with somepredetermined parameters/settings. While many short-range wirelesstechnologies can be used with the present invention, preferably one ormore of the following technologies will be used: ANT+, Bluetooth,Bluetooth Low Energy, versions 4.1, 4.2, and 5.0, cellular, IEEE802.15.4, IEEE 802.22, 802.11ax (i.e. Wi-Fi 6), 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax,802.15.4-2006, ISA 100a, Infrared, ISM (band); NFC, RFID, WPAN, UWS,WI-FI, Wireless HART, Wireless HD/USB, ZigBee, or Z-wave.

In yet another preferred embodiment, various in-ear systems may beintegrated into the present invention, software-defined and/orcognitive-defined based in-ear transceivers can be used to wirelesslycommunicate with an audio control source and thus, the output of such anin-ear monitor can be autonomously adjusted after sensing audio output.A given output can be adjusted according to what is sensed withinspecified location or what is sensed at external clusters. Similarly toa software-defined and/or cognitive-defined based in-ear transceivers,an in-ear monitor system for use with the present invention willpreferably comprise hardware such as, earphones, at least one body packreceiver, at least one mixer and at least one transmitter. Thesefunctions can also be adjusted and controlled via the audio controlsource of the present invention.

According to an embodiment, the functions of the present inventioninclude sensing and isolating frequency bands associated with musicalinstruments/human voices in the following order: midrange, highs, andlows. According to an embodiment, the functions further includeseparating like frequencies (panning). According to an embodiment, thefunctions additionally include balancing the volume, controlling thedynamic range of the frequencies sensed (compression), performingsubtractive and additive equalization, and/or adding audio effects toprovide additional depth and texture.

Loud noises can often lead to stress and hearing loss. For example,certain frequencies and volumes can cause stress in pets, and loud musicand other forms of loud sounds have put approximately 1.1 billion youngpeople at risk of suffering from hearing loss. Furthermore, militaryveterans are 30% more likely to suffer from severe hearing loss thannon-veterans. In fact, according to the DoD's Hearing Center forExcellence (HCE), hearing loss is the most-widespread injury amongreturning veterans, driving hearing loss payments to exceed $2 billionin 2016. The present invention provides for an interdisciplinary andtechnologically advanced approach to hearing loss prevention.

It is important to note that noise pollution not only produces negativehealth outcomes for humans, but also, can produce negative outcomes forpets. Loud noises and obtrusive, artificial light negatively affect petssuch as cats and dogs, and can eventually lead to abnormal behaviors,like excessive whining, trembling, barking and panting. These behaviorsare a result of the pets trying to cope with the stress tied tophenomena within their environment, and if left unchecked, can causepanic disorders such as, e.g., separation anxiety, which is not healthyfor both pet owners and pets. It is therefore an object of the presentinvention to provide a method wherein at least one sound and/or lightsensing device can be affixed or integrated into a pet wearable (e.g.dog collar).

Hearing loss can be considered an inevitable cost of military exercisesand war. However, real-time alerts using mobile devices creates anopportunity to implement preventative measures, ultimately reducinghazardous exposure time and thus injury. Study considerations include,data sets, hearing loss incidents among veterans (on the rise), currentpreventative measures, gear, and equipment such as jet engines and otherinherently noisy machinery. In summary, various embodiments of thepresent invention are in response to the DoD commitment to reduce thenumber of military personnel that suffer from hearing loss injury by 1)analyzing hazardous sounds in real-time 2) alerting service membersusing wearable mobile devices (new preventative technique).

According to an embodiment, the present invention provides for a mobilecluster-based apparatus that analyzes, reports, and controls outputsbased on a range of inputs over a swath of frequency bands, withdistinct applications including sound output control, hazardousmillimeter-wave, blue light or RF detection and reporting, andultrasonic and infrasonic wave detection and reporting. In a blue lightsensing application, a wearable in close proximity to a user's retina(e.g. located on a collar of a smart jacket) can measure prolonged bluelight retina exposure and report the issue back to the user.

According to an embodiment, the apparatus is configurable and usesstandard computing devices, such as wearables, tablets, and mobilephones, to measure various frequency bands across multiple points,allowing a single user to visualize and adjust sound output, and in somecases, detect and report hazardous signals.

Each year, sound companies spend billions of dollars on audiotechnologies and audio research to find new ways to improve audioquality in performance settings. Proposed is an apparatus and methodthat creatively tackles the issue of poor audio quality and soundperception across various spaces by integrating consumer-based mobiledevices, wearable computers and sound management systems. The ubiquitouscomputing devices in this method and apparatus senses soundwaves,associates sensed audio levels with specific clusters (locations),predicts whether or not an audio-related issue is likely to occur withina specific cluster (for instance, predicts if an echo is likely tooccur), and adjusts audio intensity (and related EQs) accordingly toimprove audio output quality.

Key features of the Mobile Cluster-Based Audio Adjusting Method andApparatus include:

-   -   User/listener-based sound management and control    -   Scalable platform that can incorporate future tech—that is, new        functionalities can be added because the method and apparatus is        designed to seamlessly integrate additional components        including, but not limited to, software applications such as a        ‘sound preference’ application that sets user-based sound        perception settings on a mobile device or wearable computer.    -   Integrates with existing audio hardware and software—such as        in-ear systems, mixer boards and other related audio consoles    -   Autonomous audio sensing    -   Can be configured, manufactured and sold across different        industries (e.g. automobile or audio electronic industries)    -   Can be used in sound fingerprint and music        publishing/performance applications (e.g. in a performance        venue, fingerprint data can be sent directly to music publishing        entities from the described clusters    -   Can interface with various communication offerings such as        e-mail, SMS, and visual screens (for instance, communicative        updates can be sent with sensed audio measurements. A specific        example—an SMS that reads a “too loud in section A’/cluster A)    -   Can support a fixed or unfixed number of “sensing units”

Referring to FIG. 1, an embodiment of one cluster 101 of the presentinvention with some interfaced devices. Specifically, three embodimentsof at least one computing device 102 are shown; wearable glasses,wearable watch, and a smartphone. It should be noted that while thesethree devices are listed as exemplary examples, any device with a soundsensing mechanism 150 and a way to transmit any recorded data issuitable for use as one of said at least one computing devices 102.According to an embodiment, the sound sensing apparatus may be anomnidirectional transducer, an ultrasonic transducer, an infrasonictransducer, a microwave transducer, and/or any other suitable soundsensing apparatus, while maintaining spirit of the present invention.The sound sensing mechanisms of at least one computing device 102 willbe able convert perceived sounds into electronic signals so that therecorded information may be transmitted to neighboring clusters 101, oran audio control source (See FIG. 3), as desired. This data will betransmitted using either one or a combination of short-range wirelesstechnologies, namely ANT+, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy, versions4.1, 4.2, and 5.0, cellular, IEEE 802.15.4, IEEE 802.22, 802.11ax (i.e.Wi-Fi 6), 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax, 802.15.4-2006, ISA 100a, Infrared, ISM(band); NFC, RFID, WPAN, UWS, WI-FI, Wireless HART, Wireless HD/USB,ZigBee, or Z-wave. Preferably, transducers integrated into thesecomputing devices have an output signal that is fed into the input of ananalog-to-digital converter (“ADC”) and can incorporate software andcognitive-defined radios to broaden the selection of compatible wirelesscommunication interfaces and limit radio component footprints. Accordingto an embodiment, the at least one computing device 102 includes one ormore wireless transceivers 155.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of how interfaced devices create a soundfingerprint. The sound transmission of the audio energy 109 sensed bythe at least one computing device 102 propagates through air and isreceived by at least one computing device 102 using the transmissionpath outlined in FIG. 2.

Assuming that FIG. 2 depicts audio transmission in an indoor setting, atspecified time intervals, each computing device measures the soundpressure level (SPL) and sound power level (SWL):

${S\; P\; L} = {{S\; W\; L} + {10{\log\lbrack {\frac{Q_{\theta}}{4\pi\; r^{2}} + \frac{4}{R_{C}}} \rbrack}}}$

Where:

SPL=Sound pressure level dB

SWL=Sound power level=10 log₁₀(W/W_(ref))

-   -   W is the total sound power radiated from a source with respect        to a reference power (W_(ref)) dBW re 10⁻¹² Watts.

r=distance from source m

Q_(θ)=directivity factor of the source in the direction of r

S=total surface area of a room m²

α_(av)=average absorption coefficient in a room

$R_{C} = {{{room}\mspace{14mu}{constant}} = {\frac{S\alpha_{a\nu}}{1 - \alpha_{a\nu}}m^{2}}}$

Over time, each computing device in FIG. 2 detects differences inpressure (i.e. change in pressure vs. time) and converts the differencesinto an electrical signal. A Fast Fourier Transform is implemented(locally or in a cloud) to measure the relative amplitudes of thefrequencies ‘sensed’ and to perform other frequency domain analyses.

It is important to note that in any given indoor environment, R_(C),α_(av), and S can be predetermined and made available to each computingdevice, approximated or deemed negligible. Also note that each computingdevice in FIG. 2 has a microphone. Computing devices may also obtainsound observations via a high-performance low frequency antenna.

Turning to FIG. 3 an illustration of an embodiment of the system of thepresent invention engaging in intra-cluster, cluster-to-audio controlsource; and cluster-to-cluster data sharing. Here, each cluster has agiven location 110 (i.e. specified location) to accurately isolate andassociate the sensed data. In one embodiment, the present invention isable to adjust a given output device 160 based on its proximity to agiven location 110 of a cluster. In alternative embodiments, outputdevices 160 can be adjusted based on their proximity to more than onecluster. Devices in each cluster can either communicate directly to eachother or an audio control source 111, devices within a cluster cancommunicate to a single device within that cluster which can serve as agateway to other clusters and/or audio control source 111. In someembodiments, the present invention further comprising an in-earmonitoring device 112. According to an embodiment, the output devices160 may include a power source 165 (such as, e.g., a battery or othersuitable power source 160), a speaker 170, a communication mechanism 175(such as, e.g., a wired and/or wireless transceiver), and/or any othersuitable mechanisms (as shown in FIG. 1). According to an embodiment,the audio control source 111 includes a memory 180, a processor 182, aninterface mechanism 184, and/or at least one input mechanism 186.According to an embodiment, the interface mechanism 184 is a graphicaluser interface with a display (e.g., a touch screen display). Accordingto an embodiment, the at least one output device 160 is located withinsaid at least one cluster 101, such that said audio control source 111may alter the power supplied to said speaker 170 in real-time.

The embodiment depicted here shows devices that sense audio signalenergy within the confines of a single cluster and then sends datadirectly to an audio control unit and other clusters. Therefore, notonly can these computing devices wirelessly share sensed data with eachother, but, also, data can be shared with an audio control source 111(for audio output management purposes) and other devices in otherclusters. Depending on the audio signal energy sensed within a specificcluster(s), audio control source 111 adjusts any connected outputdevices in either a single cluster, or multiple clusters to ensure highquality/fidelity output.

FIG. 4 shows a flow chart outlining an embodiment of the method of thepresent invention. Here, method 200 is comprised of a number of steps.In step 201, initially, both desired and undesired audio output signalsare sensed and subsequently analyzed. In step 202, the method proceedsto determine whether or not the input signals match a set of predefinedthresholds. If there is only negligible output audio, that is, if theaudio within an environment is outside of a specified frequency range,the method proceeds to step 203 where the devices in each clusteroperate in sleep mode. If there is indeed sensible audio output, themethod proceeds to step 204 where the present invention determines ifthe predefined threshold or EQ setting is breached. If this threshold isbreached, the method moves to step 205 where the first device thatsensed the breach will (preferably, wirelessly) communicate its signalmeasurements to other devices within its cluster and the receivingdevice will conduct the same audio measurements to confirm the thresholdbreach. Preferably, step 205 is repeated amongst all of the deviceswithin a single cluster, to provide more robust data sets. Once thebreach confirmation stage is completed, in step 206, the presentinvention moved to step 207 where at least one computing device ischosen to communicate the breach to. Finally, in step 208, when thepresent invention, via the audio control source, adjusts audio levels atthe at least one output device to transform undesired audio outputs todesired audio outputs.

Referring now to FIGS. 5-6, a flowchart 300 of an embodiment of thepresent invention is illustratively depicted, in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention.

According to an embodiment, the present invention isolates and/orseparates sounds within band, reports findings of those sounds to acloud-based system for audio signal processing (if necessary), and sendscontrol commands to one or more commercial mixing consoles and/or audiocontrol sources to alter the audio output (if necessary), and thencommunicate with apparatus devices to share and confirm sensed audiofindings (if necessary). According to an embodiment, these sounds areassociated with different frequencies and/or are associated with one ormore instruments.

At step 305, audio/noise is sensed by one or more audio sensing devices.According to an embodiment, the one or more sensing devices aremicrophones.

At steps 310-315, the volume between the sensed audio is balanced. Thatis, one or more instruments and/or frequencies are identified andisolated from the sensed audio (at step 310), and the signal amplitudeof each instrument is manipulated using a mixing console/audio source(at step 315). It is noted, however, that, at step 310, the identifiedsounds need not always be instruments. The sounds may be any suitableidentifiable sounds, while maintaining the spirit of the presentinvention.

According to an embodiment, the present system may sense different typesof phenomena (e.g., it may sense audio using an audio transducer such asa microphone, it may include a smartwatch and/or other similar devicethat may be able to sense ultrasonic waves using an ultrasonictransducer, and/or the system may incorporate one or more varioussuitable types of transducers). According to an embodiment, the systemmay be configured to sense environmental phenomena outside of theacoustic frequency range by using a variety of transducers. In thosecases, the underlying functionality of the system generally remains thesame, regardless of the input phenomena sensed. The system may measurethe intensity of an acoustic wave, ultrasonic wave, infrasonic wave,and/or any other suitable waves.

According to an embodiment, the system may incorporate variousinput/output functions/details, such as those shown in Table 1.According to an embodiment, the system is configured to sense, analyze,and/or control audio outputs.

TABLE 1 SYSTEM INPUT SYSTEM FUNCTION OUTPUT Network Interface: Apparatuswill isolate/separate sounds Network Interface Configured to: Senseaudible within band, report findings to Control mixing console(s) and/orsounds via mic or cloud-based system for audio signal an audio controlsource(s) via comparable audio processing (if necessary), send controlphysical or SDR-based sensing transducer commands to commercial mixingtransceiver(s)** console and/or audio control source to alter audiooutput (if necessary) and communicate with apparatus devices to shareand confirm sensed audio findings (if necessary) 20-40 Hz Sub Bass*(Piano, Synthesizer Strings) kHz: 125/134 40-160 Hz Bass Band (Drums,Strings, Winds, MHz: 13.56/600/ Vocals, Piano, Synthesizer)800/850/900/1700/1800/1900 160-300 Hz Upper Bass Band (Drums, Strings,2100/2200/L700/U700/2300/ Winds, Vocals, Piano, Synthesizer)2400/2500/2700/3500/5200/5700/whitespaces between 54 and 860/ 300-800 HzLow-Mid Band (Drums, Strings, Winds, GHz: 3.6/4.9/5/5.9/24 to 300Vocals, Piano, Synthesizer) 800-2.5 kHz Mid-Range Band (Drums, Strings,300 GHz to 430 THz Winds, Vocals, Piano, Synthesizer) 2.5-5 kHz UpperMid Band (Drums, Strings, Winds, Vocals, Piano, Synthesizer) 5-10 kHzHigh Frequency Band (Drums - including Cymbals, Synthesizer) 10-20 kHzUltra-High Freq Bands (Hi-Hat, Cymbals, Hiss)

It is also noted that the present invention may further haveimplications in sensing and analyzing millimeter waves, which the humanear cannot hear. Higher-frequency millimeter-waves can possibly haveadverse effects on human health. According to an embodiment, the presentsystem can (as shown in Table 2), in real-time, detect and reportharmful, high-energy level millimeter waves, which are included in many5G deployment plans.

TABLE 2 SYSTEM INPUT SYSTEM FUNCTION OUTPUT Network Interface: SenseApparatus will detect, Network Interface Configured to: millimeter-wavesvia a analyze, measure and/or Report/share data via physical or mmWavetransducer report harmful SDR-based transceiver(s)** millimeter-wavesacross several environments 24 to 300 GHz Identify and measure kHz:125/134 millimeter-wave characteristics MHz: 13.56/600/800/850/900/1700/1800/1900 2100/2200/L700/U700/2300/2400/2500/2700/3500/5200/5700/whitespaces between 54 and 860/ GHz:3.6/4.9/5/5.9/24 to 300 300 GHz to 430 THz

Weaponized infrasonic and ultrasonic devices with highly directionalenergy transmissions can produce both psychological and physical effectson humans. In addition, blue light (short wavelength) emitted fromdisplays is harmful to the retina. For this reason, a light sensingtransducer is a part of the apparatus described herein. According to anembodiment, the present system can, in real-time, detect and reportharmful infrasonic and ultrasonic devices in weaponized scenarios.According to an embodiment, the apparatus described can (as shown inTable 3), in real-time, detect and report harmful infrasonic andultrasonic devices in weaponized scenarios.

TABLE 3 SYSTEM INPUT SYSTEM FUNCTION OUTPUT Network Interface: SenseApparatus will detect, Network Interface infrasonic, ultrasonic analyze,measure and/or Configured to: waves, and/or light waves report onharmful ultrasonic Report/share data via via an ultrasonic, orinfrasonic waves across physical or SDR-based infrasonic orelectro-optical several environments transceiver(s) transducer 18.9 Hz,0.3 Hz, 7 Hz and Identify and measure kHz: 125/134 9 Hz ultrasonic,infrasonic or visible wave characteristics 700 kHz to 3.6 MHz MHz:13.56/600/ 800/850/900/1700/1800/1900 20 to 200 kHz2100/2200/L700/U700/2300/ 2400/2500/2700/3500/5200/5700/whitespacesbetween 54 and 860/ 400-770 THz GHz: 3.6/4.9/5/5.9/24 to 300 300 GHz to430 THz

At step 320, it is determined whether the sensed audio includes anyaudio in frequencies that have been predetermined to be hazardous tohuman ears. According to an embodiment, if audio in the hazardous rangehas been detected, then one or more users are notified, at step 325. Thenotification may take the form of a visual notification, an audiblenotification, and/or any other suitable form of notification. It isnoted, however, that, if automatically corrected, the user need notalways be notified.

According to an embodiment, at step 330, the dynamic range of the sensedaudio (compressed or limiting) is controlled by sending audio data to amixing console/audio source or cloud-based system that can identify andmitigate sudden peaks in a sensed audio stream to help sound(s) sitconsistently in an audio mix (accomplished by removing sudden peaks).Altering the dynamic range may also be used to eliminate any audio inthe predetermined hazardous range. At step 335, the audio is panned.That is, like frequencies in the sensed audio are separated.

At step 340, effects that add depth and texture to audio outputs areadded and, at step 345, equalization is added using subtractive and/oradditive equalization techniques.

According to an embodiment, at step 350, automation is generated thatpredicts environmental conditions based on sensed data (like echoes andaudio wind steers) and, at step 355, volume changes and audio effectsare autonomously programmed, accordingly.

According to an embodiment, the present invention includes acoustic bandapplications. Consumer products, such as, e.g., wearables, smartphones,and other portable computing devices autonomously control soundoutput(s) in private spaces (e.g. cars and homes) and public spaces(e.g. transport stations and theater/concert venues). According to anembodiment, the present system senses audible sounds via a mic orcomparable audio sensing transducer and isolates/separates sounds withincertain bands, reports findings to cloud-based system(s) for audiosignal processing, sends control commands to a commercial mixing consoleand/or audio control source to alter audio output, and communicates withcluster devices to share and confirm sensed audio findings. According toan embodiment, the present system outputs to control mixing console(s)and/or an audio control source(s) via physical or SDR-basedtransceiver(s). According to an embodiment, the present system sensesand analyzes audio frequencies across clusters to adjust and controlaudio output and perceived sound at a given locale. In order to achievehigh-quality sound and sound equalization of a sonic presentation, asound system's audio output levels are autonomously adjusted via acentral audio mixing source using intelligent tell-tale frequencycharacteristics gathered from clusters comprised of smart devices and/orwearable computers.

According to an embodiment, the audio signal data obtained withinclusters enables a system integrated mixing console to manage audiooutput based on detailed frequency descriptions of acoustic propertiesand characteristics across a venue, room, or vehicle. According to anembodiment, the present system incorporates a modular structure so thatcomponents can be added and expand as consumer needs grow.

According to an embodiment, the present system provides for an apparatusthat is configured to adjust and control audio output signal levelsacross multiple cluster locales using computing devices such assmartphones and/or wearable computers; a wireless transmission platform;transceivers—software-defined, cognitive-defined and/orhardware-defined; wireless microphones; in-earmonitors—software-defined, cognitive-defined and/or hardware-defined;and a central audio mixing source.

According to an embodiment, the apparatus of the present invention mayinclude, but is not limited to, the following functions:

-   -   Balancing the volume between sensed audio. For example,        isolating instruments based on frequency and manipulating the        signal amplitude of each instrument using a mixing console/audio        source.    -   Controlling the dynamic range of the sensed audio (compress or        limiting) by sending audio data to a mixing console/audio source        or cloud-based system that can identify and mitigate sudden        peaks in a sensed audio stream to help sounds sit consistently        in an audio mix (accomplished by removing sudden peaks).    -   Panning.    -   Adding effects that add depth and texture to audio outputs.    -   Equalization using subtractive/additive equalization techniques.    -   Automation that 1) predicts environmental conditions based on        sensed data (like echoes and audio wind steers) and 2)        autonomously programs volume changes and audio effects        accordingly.

Referring to FIGS. 7A-7C, various embodiments of the present inventionimplemented in an automobile, an indoor theatre, and an outdoor stadium,respectively, are shown. While these venues are particularly suited forthe present invention to be implemented in any venue in which there aremultiple listeners.

In a preferred embodiment, the sound sensing mechanisms (preferably,transducers) used within each “sensing” computer/device outputs anoutput signal that is fed into the input of an ADC. In theconfigurations described in FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7C, a single-ended ADCinterface can be used effectively since ADCs and the transducer sourceare both located on the same integrated circuit board. However, sincefully differential interfaces have performance gains over single-endedinputs due to its inherent noise rejection characteristics, using afully-directional interface instead of a single-ended interface may bedesirable.

FIG. 8 shows a flow chart outlining an embodiment of the method of thepresent invention. Here, method 400 is comprised of a number of steps.According to an embodiment, the method as shown and described in FIG. 8showcases the method steps of a system that measures the intensity ofphenomena and its purpose is to sense, analyze, report, and, in somecases, control invisible phenomena. These invisible phenomena caninclude, e.g., ultrasonic waves, audio waves, infrasonic waves, mm wavesetc. (using ultrasonic transducers, infrasonic transducers, microwavetransducers, among others, and associated software for theseapplications).

As in method 200 of FIG. 4, initially, both desired and undesired audiooutput signals are sensed and subsequently analyzed. It is thendetermined whether or not the input signals match a set of predefinedthresholds. If there is only negligible output audio, that is, if theaudio within an environment is outside of a specified frequency range,the devices in each cluster operate in sleep mode, step 402. If there isindeed sensible audio output, the method proceeds to step 401 where thepresent invention determines if the predefined threshold or EQ settingis breached. If this threshold is not breached, the device operates insleep mode 402. If this threshold is breached, the method moves on tostep 403, where it is determined whether the device has a navigationunit. According to an embodiment, devices in the system can auto-awakenout of sleep mode based on the location of the device (e.g. when a userwalks into a concert venue, the system will begin measuring surroundingsignal energy).

If the device does not have a navigation unit, the method moves to step404, where a breach severity measurement is determined. Once the breachseverity measurement is determined, the method moves to step 405, whereit is determined whether there is an onset issue.

If there is an onset issue, the method moves to step 406, in which anydata and/or findings are reported and/or displayed. Once the data and/orfindings are reported and/or displayed, the device returns to sleepmode, step 402.

If there is not an onset issue, the method moves to step 407, wherein atime window is calculated at which any sensed data was determined to beunacceptable. Once this time window is calculated, the method moves tostep 408, wherein breaches within the calculated time window arecollected and/or analyzed. Once the breaches within the calculated timewindow are collected and/or analyzed, the method moves to step 409,wherein it is determined whether there were consistent breaches duringthe time window. If there were consistent breaches during the timewindow, the method moves to step 406. If there were not consistentbreaches during the time window, the device goes back to sleep mode,step 402.

If the device has a navigation unit, the method moves to step 410,wherein breach severity measurements with the device's location aredetermined. Once the breach severity measurements with the device'slocation are determined, the method moves to step 411, wherein it isdetermined whether the device's location at the time of the breachlessened the severity of the breach. If the device's location at thetime of the breach did not lessen the severity, the method moves to step405, wherein it is determined whether there is an onset issue. If thedevice's location at the time of the breach did lessen the severity, themethod moves to step 412, wherein an analysis takes place in whichlocation and machine learning insights are factored into the thresholdbreach calculations. The method then moves to step 413, where it isdetermined if the breach is still an issue. If the breach is still anissue, the method moves to step 405, wherein it is determined whetherthere is an onset issue. If the breach is not still an issue, the devicegoes back to sleep mode, step 402.

According to an embodiment, environmental measurements may be skeweddepending on the device's location (e.g., in a bag, in a pocket, etc.).According to an embodiment, the location of the device is detected, and,in these cases, the system will either account for signal degradation inthe measurement or disable environmental measurements based onpredefined thresholds. According to an embodiment, smart devices (e.g.,smartphones, etc.) will use an accelerometer and/or light sensor and/ora temperature sensor to detect whether or not the smart device isdirectly exposed to phenomena (i.e. whether or not the device is in abag or pocket).

The instant invention further describes methods for collecting andmanaging public music performance royalties and royalty payouts. On thelisteners side, song/audio fingerprint data is collected using themethod and apparatus described in U.S. Pat. No. 10,127,005 and U.S.patent application Ser. No. 16/421,141, the contents of which are herebyfully incorporated by reference. On the rights owner side, verifiedsong/audio data is received from the listeners side and royalty paymentsare, in some cases, automated. Public performance royalty payments arebased on data (e.g., the song/audio fingerprint data) collected bylisteners/clients and business logic servers.

The instant invention further describes a system that facilitates andmodernizes the way music performing rights royalties are earned,processed, and managed. The system includes IoT/smart devices (e.g., afirst smart or wearable device 508A, a second smart or wearable device508B, a third smart or wearable device 508C, and/or a fourth smart orwearable device 508D of FIG. 9) and interfaces with a cloud-based (orlocal) system that is administered by a third party. In some examples,the third party is a music publishing entity. However, the third partyis not limited to such.

The example system also includes a song/sound fingerprint/data unitidentifiable by a third party administrator. The third partyadministrator is provided information that details whether the song in agiven environment is being sung, played live, or recorded. The thirdparty administrator is also given information regarding a time andlocation of the data unit. The third party administrator autonomouslyissues royalty payments to the appropriate musical source and/orcompany. As defined herein, the “rights owner” refers to a songwriter, alyricist, a composer, a musical company, and/or a publisher of a musicalwork. All payments are based on the data units received from theIoT/smart devices and performance rights information associated with themusical work. The third party administrator authorizes and issues theroyalty payment based upon receiving the data units from the system. TheIoT/smart devices, the song/sound fingerprint/data unit, and the systemare further described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/421,141 andU.S. Pat. No. 10,127,005, the contents of which are hereby fullyincorporated by reference.

FIG. 9 depicts a tiered diagram of a system, according to at least oneembodiment described herein. The tiered diagram includes a first tier502, a second tier 504, and a third tier 506, which may communicate withone another. The first tier 502 is a listener/client tier, the secondtier 504 is a business logic tier, and the third tier is a rights ownertier 506.

The first tier 502 may include a first smart or wearable device 508Ahaving an application 510 executable thereon. The first smart orwearable device 508A may be associated with a first client 512A (oruser). In some examples, the first tier 502 may additionally include asecond smart or wearable device 508B having the application 510executable thereon, which may be associated with a second client 512Band a third smart or wearable device 508C having the application 510executable thereon, which may be associated with a third client 512C.Additionally, the first tier 502 may include a fourth smart or wearabledevice 508D having the application 110 executable thereon, which may beassociated with a local administrator client 514, if present. Inexamples, the first smart or wearable device 508A, the second smart orwearable device 508B, the third smart or wearable device 508C, and/orthe fourth smart or wearable device 508D may be an IoT device, a smartdevice, or a wearable device.

The first smart or wearable device 508A may be configured to communicatewith the second smart or wearable device 508B and/or the third smart orwearable device 508C, if present. The second smart or wearable device508B and/or the third smart or wearable device 508C may communicate withthe fourth smart or wearable device 508D, if present. In examples, thefirst smart or wearable device 508A of the first tier 502 is configured,via an input/output (I/O) socket 516, to communicate with a businesslogic server 518 of the second tier 504. The second tier 504 may alsoinclude a rules, rights, and policy server 520. The business logicserver 518 is further configured to communicate with the rules, rights,and policy server 520.

The business logic server 518 of the second tier 504 is configured toperform multiple processes, such as: retrieving musical acts and/or songinformation and/or audio or sound fingerprint data from rights ownersand/or publishers; acting as a third party song repository and/or acustom-built song database; mapping collected data to rights owner;and/or verifying songs. The rules, rights, and policy server 520 may beassociated with United States and/or foreign territories, and may beconfigured to: store copyright laws and rules tied to royalty androyalty payouts across various territories.

The third tier 506 may include a rights owner server 522, as well as alogin 524 capability. The rights owner server 522 is configured to:combine data from the first tier 502, the second tier 504, and/or thethird tier 506; process and appropriate royalty payments; distributeroyalty payouts to financial institutions (e.g. banks or similarentities); and/or produce public performance royalty statements and/orreports.

An example method executed by the business logic server 518 of FIG. 9for collecting and managing public performance royalties and royaltypayouts includes numerous process steps, such as: receiving data unitsassociated with a musical work from a device (e.g., the first smart orwearable device 508A) associated with a user (e.g., the first client512A). Each of the data units may include: song information, informationregarding whether a song was sung, information regarding whether a songwas played live, information regarding whether a song was recorded,information regarding a time of the data unit, and/or informationregarding a location of the data unit, among other information.

The method may further include receiving, by the business logic server518, an authorization from the user (e.g., the first client 512A) toshare the data units with a third party administrator. In some examples,the authorization from the user (e.g., the first client 512A) is anopt-in agreement. In response to receiving such authorization, thebusiness logic server 518 is configured to map the received data unitsto a database comprising information to identify a rights owner of thedata units. The information of the database may include audio or soundfingerprint recognition information, licensing grant information,performance information, song catalog information, song ownershipinformation, and/or a location or a jurisdiction associated with aroyalty payment for the data units, among other information.

The method may then include verifying the rights owner. Verification ofthe rights owner may include mobile-to-mobile checks. In other examples,the verification may include verification by the third partyadministrator. The method may further include transmitting, by thebusiness logic server 518, a verification message to the rights ownerserver 522 to facilitate a payment (e.g., a royalty payment) to therights owner. The verification message is not limited to any format andmay include textual, graphical, and/or audio data.

In an example where the information of the database comprises theperformance information, the method may further include: mapping, by thebusiness logic server 518, the data units to the performance informationto identify a non-musical entity associated with the data units. Inexamples, the non-musical entity may be a venue commercializing musicalworks. The method may further include: verifying the non-musical entityand transmitting, by the business logic server 518, another verificationmessage to the rights owner server 522 to facilitate the payment (e.g.,the royalty payment) to the non-musical entity.

In a further example, the method may include: mapping, by the businesslogic server 518, the data units to the rules, rights, and policy server520 comprising copyright laws of a territory, verifying compliance withthe copyright laws of the territory, and transmitting, by the businesslogic server 518, another verification message to the rights owner 522server to facilitate payment to a copyright holder. In examples, thecopyright holder is a music producer, songwriter, recording artistand/or other rights owner or holder (e.g. publishers).

An example system contemplated herein for collecting and managing publicmusic performance royalties and royalty payouts includes numerouscomponents, which may be depicted, at least, in FIG. 9. The system mayinclude a device (e.g., the first smart or wearable device 508A)associated with a user (e.g., the first client 512A), a databasecomprising information associated with a musical work, the businesslogic server 518 communicatively coupled to the rules, rights and policyserver 520, and the rights owner server 522 communicatively coupled tothe business logic server 518 and the rules, rights and policy server520. The information of the database may include audio or soundfingerprint recognition information, licensing grant information,performance information, song catalog information, song ownershipinformation, and/or a location or a jurisdiction associated with aroyalty payment for the data units.

The business logic server 518 is configured to: receive the data unitsassociated with the musical work from the device (e.g., the first smartor wearable device 508A) associated with the user (e.g., the firstclient 512A) and receive an authorization (e.g., an opt-in agreement)from the user (e.g., the first client 512A) to share the data units witha third party administrator. The business logic server 518 is furtherconfigured to: map the data units to the database to identify a rightsowner of the data units and verify the rights owner.

The business logic server 518 may also map the data units to the rules,rights, and policy server 520 comprising copyright laws of a territoryand verify compliance with the copyright laws of the territory. Thebusiness logic server 518 may then transmit a verification message ofthe rights owner server 522 to facilitate the payment (e.g., the royaltypayment) to the rights owner and a copyright holder (e.g., a publisher).

In an example where the information of the database comprises theperformance information, the business logic server 518 is furtherconfigured to: map the data units to the performance information toidentify a non-musical entity associated with the data units (e.g., avenue commercializing musical works), verify the non-musical entity, andtransmit another verification message to the rights owner server 522 tofacilitate the payment (e.g., the royalty payment) to the non-musicalentity.

In examples, the payment to the rights owner, the copyright holder,and/or the non-musical entity are based on the data units, compliancewith the copyright laws of the territory, and the performance rightsassociated with the musical work. In examples, the rights owner server522 may also generate royalty statements or reports based on the royaltypayment and/or location-based public performance activity reports.

FIG. 10 depicts a block diagram of a flow chart of a method forcollecting and managing public music performance royalties and royaltypayouts, according to at least one embodiment described herein.

The method of FIG. 10 begins at a process step 604, which includesretrieving the sensed audio or sound fingerprint from a device (e.g.,the first smart or wearable device 508A) of a user (such as the firstclient 512A of FIG. 9). A process step 606 may follow the process step604, which includes assessing whether the audio or sound fingerprintdata is received from an administrator. A response to the process step606 may include a “YES” or a “NO” response.

The “YES” response to the process step 606 may lead to flagging theaudio or sound fingerprint data with a “yes data” administrative flag.Subsequent this, a process step 640 may occur. The “NO” response to theprocess step 606 may lead to flagging the audio or sound fingerprintdata with a “no data” administrative flag. Subsequent this, a processstep 608 may occur.

The process step 608 may include mapping the audio or sound fingerprintdata to a database. The database may comprise information, such as:audio fingerprint recognition information, licensing grant information,performance information, song catalog information, song ownershipinformation (including the rights owner of the audio or soundfingerprint data), and/or a location or a jurisdiction associated withthe rights owner of the audio or sound fingerprint data for a royaltypayment. A process step 610 may follow the process step 608, whichincludes determining the rights owner and the location or thejurisdiction associated with the rights owner of the audio or soundfingerprint data for the royalty payment from the information in thedatabase.

A process step 612 follows the process step 610, which includes applyingone or more rules to the information. The rules that may be applied arenon-exhaustive. A process step 614 follows the process step 612, whichincludes assessing whether the rights owner and/or the location or thejurisdiction allow for automated royalties. A first response to theprocess step 614 is a “NO” response, which leads the process to aprocess step 616. The process step 616 includes sharing and/or reportingsuch information to the rights owner. A process step 618 follows theprocess step 616 to end the process.

A second response to the process step 614 is a “YES” response, whichleads the process to a process step 620. The process step 620 includesassessing whether the rights owner is capable of processing their ownroyalties. A first response to the process step 620 includes a “YES”response, which leads to a process step 622. The process step 622includes transmitting the data to a third party for processing. Aprocess step 624 follows the process step 622 to end the process.

A second response to the process step 620 includes a “NO” response,which leads to a process step 626. The process step 626 that includesretrieving royalty rates from a third party administrator or the rightsowner. A process step 628 follows the process step 626 and includesperforming royalty payment calculations for the rights owner. Theroyalty payment calculation methods are non-exhaustive. A process step630 follows the process step 628 and includes validating theidentification of the rights owner, the location and/or thejurisdiction, the royalty payment calculation, and/or previousinformation. In examples, the validation for this step may occur foreach song and/or for each musical act.

A process step 632 follows the process step 630 and includes submittinga ticket or a report to a financial entity (e.g., a bank) for a paymentto the rights owner. The payment may include a royalty payment. However,the payment is not limited to this example. The process step 632 isfollowed by a process step 634 that includes transmitting the payment(e.g., the royalty payment) to the rights owner. A process step 636follows the process step 634 and ends the process.

In response to a “YES” to the process step 606, a process step 640includes retrieving administrative data from a database. A process step642 follows the process step 640 and includes assessing whether theaudio and sound fingerprint data from the client correlates to theadministrative data. A first response to the process step 642 is a “YES”response. The “YES” response to the process step 642 brings the processto the process step 608.

A second response to the process step 642 is a “NO” response. The “NO”response to the process step 642 results in a process step 644. Theprocess step 644 includes appending the audio and sound fingerprint datafrom the client with the administrative data. A process step 646 followsthe process step 644 and includes assessing if there are anyirreversible discrepancies between the audio and sound fingerprint datafrom the client and the administrative data. A first response to theprocess step 646 is a “YES” response, which leads to a process step 648.The process step 648 includes transmitting any irreversiblediscrepancies between the audio and sound fingerprint data from theclient and the administrative data with the rights owner. Subsequent theprocess step 648, the process is brought to the process step 604. Asecond response to the process step 646 is a “NO” response, which leadsto the process step 608, where the process is continued.

When introducing elements of the present disclosure or the embodiment(s)thereof, the articles “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to mean thatthere are one or more of the elements. Similarly, the adjective“another,” when used to introduce an element, is intended to mean one ormore elements. The terms “including” and “having” are intended to beinclusive such that there may be additional elements other than thelisted elements.

While the disclosure refers to exemplary embodiments, it will beunderstood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made,and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof withoutdeparting from the scope of the disclosure. In addition, manymodifications will be appreciated by those skilled in the art to adapt aparticular instrument, situation or material to the teachings of thedisclosure without departing from the spirit thereof. Therefore, it isintended that the disclosure not be limited to the particularembodiments disclosed.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system comprising: an audio control source; atleast one cluster of at least one computing device; the at least onecomputing device including: a sound sensing mechanism configured tosense a noise; and a wireless transceiver configured to wirelesslytransmit and receive data from the audio control source; at least oneoutput device including: a power source for operating the output device;a speaker for outputting sound; and a communication mechanism forreceiving electronic information from the audio control source; and theaudio control source in electronic communication the at least onecluster and the at least one output device, the audio control sourceincluding: a memory containing computer-executable instructions forconnecting to the at least one cluster and varying an output of the atleast one output device; and a processor for executing thecomputer-executable instructions, wherein the computer-executableinstructions include: identifying sounds within the noise; isolating theidentified sounds; determining if one or more of the isolated soundsincludes a frequency and an intensity outside of a predeterminedthreshold, wherein the predetermined threshold equates to a frequencyand an intensity determined to pose a risk of harm to a user's hearingcapabilities: if the one or more of the isolated sounds includes thefrequency and the intensity outside of the predetermined threshold,notifying a user, via a notification, that the one or more of theisolated sounds includes the frequency and the intensity outside of thepredetermined threshold; and if the one or more of the isolated soundsincludes the frequency and the intensity outside of the predeterminedthreshold,  determining if the system is in an auto-adjust mode;  inresponse to a determination that the system is in the auto-adjust mode,altering the one or more of the isolated sounds so that the frequencyand the intensity do not fall outside of the predetermined threshold;and  in response to a determination that the system is not in theauto-adjust mode, outputting the one or more of the isolated sounds onthe at least one output device, wherein the one or more of the isolatedsounds comprise sound fingerprints and sound characteristics.
 2. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the at least one output device is selectedfrom the group consisting of: a display and/or a speaker.
 3. The systemof claim 1, wherein the computer-executable instructions furthercomprise: determining if the one or more of the isolated sounds includesan amplitude outside of the predetermined threshold.
 4. The system ofclaim 3, wherein the computer-executable instructions further comprise:if the one or more of the isolated sounds includes the frequency, theintensity, and the amplitude outside of the predetermined threshold,notifying the user, via another notification, that one or more of theisolated sounds includes the amplitude outside of the predeterminedthreshold; and if the one or more of the isolated sounds includes theamplitude outside of the predetermined threshold, determining if thesystem is in the auto-adjust mode; in response to a determination thatthe system is in the auto-adjust mode, altering the one or more of theisolated sounds so that the amplitude does not fall outside of thepredetermined threshold; and in response to a determination that thesystem is not in the auto-adjust mode, outputting the isolated sounds orsound fingerprint information on the at least one output device.
 5. Thesystem of claim 1, further comprising: an interfacing mechanism, theinterfacing mechanism including: a network adapter, configured totransmit and receive electronic information through both wired andwireless communication; and at least one input mechanism, configured to:manipulate the interfacing mechanism; and vary the output of the atleast one output device.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein thesound-sensing mechanism is selected from the group consisting of: anomnidirectional transducer, an ultrasonic transducer, an infrasonictransducer, and a microwave transducer, and wherein the sensed noiseincludes infrasonic or ultrasonic soundwaves.
 7. The system of claim 1,wherein the computer-executable instructions further include stepsselected from the group consisting of: panning the sensed noise; andequalizing the sensed noise.
 8. A method of altering sensed noise priorto outputting the sensed noise, comprising: providing at least one audiocontrol source; providing at least one cluster of at least one computingdevice, the at least one computing device including: a sound sensingmechanism configured to sense a noise; a wireless transceiver configuredto wirelessly transmit and receive data from the audio control source;at least one output device including: a power source for operating theoutput device: a speaker for outputting sound; and a communicationmechanism for receiving electronic information from the audio controlsource; and the audio control source in electronic communication the atleast one cluster and the at least one output device, the audio controlsource including: a memory containing computer-executable instructionsfor connecting to the at least one cluster and varying an output of theat least one output device; and a processor for executing thecomputer-executable instructions; identifying sounds within the noise;isolating the identified sounds; determining if one or more of theisolated sounds includes a frequency and an intensity outside of apredetermined threshold, wherein the predetermined threshold equates toa frequency and an intensity determined to pose a risk of harm to auser's hearing capabilities; if the one or more of the isolated soundsincludes the frequency and the intensity outside of the predeterminedthreshold, notifying a user, via a notification, that one or more of theisolated sounds includes the frequency and the intensity outside of thepredetermined threshold; and if the one or more of the isolated soundsincludes the frequency and the intensity outside of the predeterminedthreshold, determining if the system is in an auto-adjust mode; inresponse to a determination that the system is in the auto-adjust mode,altering the one or more of the isolated sounds so that the frequencyand the intensity do not fall outside of the predetermined threshold;and in response to a determination that the system is not in theauto-adjust mode, outputting the one or more of the isolated sounds onthe at least one output device, wherein the one or more of the isolatedsounds comprise sound fingerprints and/or sound characteristics, andwherein the at least one output device is selected from the groupconsisting of a display and/or a speaker.
 9. The method of claim 8,further comprising: determining if the one or more of the isolatedsounds includes an amplitude outside of the predetermined threshold. 10.The method of claim 9, further comprising: if one or more of theisolated sounds includes the amplitude outside of the predeterminedthreshold, notifying the user, via another notification, that one ormore of the isolated sounds includes the amplitude outside of thepredetermined threshold; and if one or more of the isolated soundsincludes the amplitude outside of the predetermined threshold,determining if the system is in the auto-adjust mode; and in response toa determination that the system is in the auto-adjust mode, altering theone or more of the isolated sounds so that the amplitude does not falloutside of the predetermined threshold.
 11. The method of claim 8,wherein the at least one computing device further includes: aninterfacing mechanism, the interfacing mechanism including: a networkadapter, configured to transmit and receive electronic informationthrough both wired and wireless communication; and at least one inputmechanism, configured to: manipulate the interfacing mechanism; and varythe output of the at least one output device.
 12. The method of claim 8,wherein the sound-sensing mechanism is selected from the groupconsisting of: an omnidirectional transducer, an ultrasonic transducer,an infrasonic transducer, and a microwave transducer, and wherein thesensed noise includes infrasonic or ultrasonic soundwaves.
 13. Themethod of claim 8, wherein the altering the one or more of the isolatedsounds so that the frequency and the intensity does not fall outside ofthe predetermined threshold is performed automatically.